Health & Wellness

The Avocado: One of Nature’s Most Perfect Foods

With its mildly nutty taste and velvety smooth texture, the avocado is easy to love. It’s the main ingredient in guacamole; it is used, mashed, as a substitute for mayonnaise in sandwiches; it is a must-have accompaniment or ingredient for tacos, shrimp cocktails, and Mexican soups; it is included in the Mediterranean Diet; and it is savored as is, with just a sprinkling of salt and black pepper. This fruit is simply fabulous, and its uses are creatively endless.
Health-wise, the avocado is nutrient-dense and contains important minerals, phytonutrients and vitamins, including fiber, folate, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, and vitamins C, E and K. It also contains mono and polyunsaturated fats. According to the American Heart Association, mono and polyunsaturated fats—when consumed in moderation and eaten in place of saturated or tans fats—can help reduce blood cholesterol levels and decrease risk for heart disease.
Use avocado to make a delicious and colorful Mediterranean pasta salad; top freshly made gazpacho with chunks of avocado; make a healthy wrap with avocado, black beans, marinated artichokes, lime juice, garlic, cilantro and whole wheat tortillas; and experiment in the kitchen with avocado and your favorite foods. Who knows, you may come up with the next best bowl of guacamole!

In Season

December is a month full of delicious seasonal produce, and plenty of opportunities to use it! Take advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables in your baked goods and holiday dishes. Fresh citrus also makes a lovely holiday gift. Fill an attractive bowl or basket with fresh oranges, grapefruit, mandarins or a combination of a few varieties.